Solving common problems. That is what Toronto Rehab research is all about. Whether it is reducing the risk of falls on stairs or restoring the ability to grasp objects after a stroke, we help people overcome everyday challenges.
One of the most comprehensive rehab research programs anywhere, we are pushing the boundaries of rehabilitation research. A lot of our work focuses on preventing illness and injury by making streets, homes, and workplaces safer – and keeping people out of hospital.
We are also devising new and more effective rehabilitation treatments, assistive devices, and technologies to maximize recovery for people with disability, illness, and age-related conditions so they can live life to the fullest.
Another key focus: helping people live longer and more safely in their own homes as they age, with the support of advanced technologies and products. Our discoveries assist family and professional caregivers too.
Located in Toronto, Canada, our research program is based at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Canada's largest adult rehabilitation hospital and a member of the University Health Network.
State-of-the-Art Labs
Our iDAPT Centre for Rehabilitation Research – one of the world's most technologically advanced rehabilitation research environments – provides a unique network of cutting-edge labs (http://www.torontorehabresearch.ca/index.php/labs-services/research-labs) where researchers cultivate and test ideas in a real-life setting, and deliver new therapies and products. We also provide prototyping and other services to academic and business partners.
The iDAPT Way
We have also continued to develop and implement return on investment strategies for the commercialization program. This follows products through from initial testing, market assessment and valuation through to commercialization.
We have developed “The iDAPT Way” to nurture product development at Toronto Rehab with fully integrated engineering and business practices. There are three components to The iDAPT Way:
-
1.
When a product idea emerges, our business development team immediately obtains market analyses to see if there is real demand for the product/process to be produced. This is a critical first step to help scientists consider moving forward.
-
2.
Once we have determined that a product should advance, we work with scientists to find project investment funding.
-
3.
Our business development team then works side by side with our scientists, engineers, and clinicians to ensure that there is concurrent research and business expertise “on tap” throughout product development.
In addition, we recognize that successful commercialization of research outcomes is often dependent on barrier-free access to quick funding for proof-of-concept research. To support our researchers and to maintain an entrepreneurial culture at Toronto Rehab, we have developed new methods to encourage innovation and commercialization. These include our new Incubator Pool Fund, which consists of a “Pre-Invention Fund” and “Pre-venture Fund” that enable easy access to funds to test early stage product ideas or to advance proven ideas and projects further along the commercialization chain. A total of 15 other products are either licensed or in advanced stages of commercialization.